11 Things to do in writing a Letter to the Editor

1. Pick a topic that you feel passionate about. Relate it to an issue very recently (within the last 24 hours) discussed in the publication to which you are writing.

2. Think of new ways to discuss the topic and present unique solutions to the problem.

3. Use facts and statistics from reliable unbiased sources and quotes from experts.

4. Write clearly and concisely following the limitations usually given on the editorial page letters-to-the-editor page. You are much more likely to get published with 100-150 words than 250. Anything over 300 will not get published.

5. Include your major points within the first or second paragraph.

6. Use a clever witty ending.

7. Type your letter and double space between lines.

8. Use your spell check and then proofread. Use a thesaurus for more illustrative wording.

9. Sign your name and include your phone number and address, if required.

10. Mail, fax or e-mail your letter to the address listed for the publication. Fax assures your letter gets in someone’s hands at the editors desk.

11. Keep in mind that most publications verify by phone or in writing that you, and not someone attributing these opinions to you, authored the letter.

12. Publications like crisp, well-written, grammatically correct letters. Those which need no editing get published more frequently.